Blackpool Gazette
Preview: QPR v Blackpool
By Steve Canavan
THE general consensus in football is that Jim Magilton is a very brave man.
Earlier in the summer he accepted the job as manager at QPR, with Flavio Briatore as his chairman.
But how long will it last? Rangers have had five managers and two caretakers since Formula One millionaire Briatore took over the club in September 2007.
It has been rumoured on several occasions that Briatore has upset managers by insisting on having an input in team selection.
It's enough to make most managers quake in their boots, but not Magilton.
Looking forward to a fresh challenge after three years at Ipswich, the Irishman said: "I don't see there is a problem if an owner or a chairman has an opinion.
"We are all managers, supporters and referees. It is a game of opinion. I'll back my decisions win, lose or draw. I'll certainly stand by them."
Magilton succeeds Paulo Sousa, who lasted just 26 games at Loftus Road before departing.
Souza revealed that during his time in charge, striker Dexter Blackstock's loan move to Nottingham Forest was agreed without his knowledge.
Iain Dowie lasted 15 games before clashing with Briatore, while John Gregory lasted less than a month after Briatore took charge.
So far the longest incumbent of the Briatore reign was Luigi De Canio, who made it to six months. Just.
Yet Magilton, who was installed as boss in June, insists he is not concerned.
"I was at a club previously (Ipswich) where the owner certainly had an input," he said.
"I don't think you can put me under any pressure because the pressure I put myself under on a daily basis would far outweigh any pressure they put me under.
"The bottom line is that I'm really looking to the challenge of managing a great football club.
"The board are highly ambitious but they are very realistic. Our aim is to keep progressing, year after year.
"There is a very strong group of players here and with one or two additions we can expect to drastically improve on the 11th place finish secured last season."
QPR are one of the wealthiest clubs in British football, bankrolled by Briatore's millions.
Magilton has not gone wild in the transfer market but he has been fairly active, bringing in Italian striker Alessandro Pellicori, Tottenham midfielder Adel Taarabt (on a season-long loan) and former Ipswich keeper Andy Marshall, Argentine midfielder Alejandro Faurlin was Magilton's first and biggest signing.
The 22-year-old joined from Instituto in Argentina's second tier for £3.5m.
"We've had a good look at him and I believe he will be a valuable addition to the squad," said Magilton.
"He's a likeable young lad who plays with a smile on his face, so we'll have no problems."
The bad news for Rangers is that Faurlin is set to miss out tomorrow with a thigh strain.
Pool will have a decent surface to play on. The Loftus Road pitch was relaid at a cost of £500,000 during the summer.
Former Seasiders Kaspars Gorkss has been a regular in defence during the pre-season and is expected to start.
QPR (possible): Cerny, Ramage, Borrowdale, Gorkss, Hall, Balanta, Taarabt, Buzsaky, Agyemang, Routledge, Mahon
Star man:Wayne Routledge. Still only 24 yet playing for his seventh club, this talented and pacy winger needs stability to fulfill his potential, Has a tendency to chip in with useful goals and is a genuine match winner.
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